The Town of Marion rolled out their lineup for festivals and events for 2024 with the return of several favorites, a schedule change for better weather, and a new July 4 activity.
“We are excited to bring entertainment and fun for the community,” said Marion Mayor David Helms. “Our staff works year-round to bring a variety of events to bring our community together, and we’re looking forward to another great year.”
The Downtown Cruise Ins are back, beginning May 18, at the Marion Farmers Market. Bands include Mark Larkins on May 18, Jigsaw Jane on June 15 and Deadman’s Hand on Aug. 17 for the Third Saturday Cruise Ins from 6-9 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend begins with a POW tribute on Thursday, May 23, as downtown features thousands of white crosses and American flags honoring veterans who have passed, followed by a special concert at the Lincoln Theatre Sunday afternoon and the Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m. along Main Street.
Live downtown concerts kick off Friday, June 14, with The Entice Band LIVE at the Farmer’s Market, followed by a weekend Juneteenth Celebration at Carnegie School and Mount Pleasant Preservation Society.
July 4 brings a return of the popular Marion Downtown Car Show at Riverbend Park from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillin live on stage. A new evening event, The Southeast Crabfest, kicks off at 5 p.m. at Riverbend, with ticket purchasers enjoying all you can eat blue crabs, fish and chips for $40, with live music provided by Mark Larkins (music sponsored by East Main Rides).
The third weekend in July is Marion’s Reunion Weekend, with the annual Hungry Mother Festival at the Park sponsored by the Art League of Marion all weekend long. Friday night, Phantom is back for their traditional Main Street Block Party from 6 til 10. Saturday is the 10th annual “Hungriest Mother Food Festival”, named one of Virginia Living Magazine’s Top Food Festivals in Virginia, with food challenges from pickled eggs to Mountain Dew. Live entertainment includes “From the Edge”, “The Ali Randolph Band” and “Songs of the South: An Alabama Tribute” on the Main Stage.
The 38th annual Marion Downtown Chili Championship is moved to the third Saturday in September. In addition to the choli cookoff, live entertainment includes “Soul Sandwich”, “The Great Big Hug”, and “ZZ Top Notch: A Tribute to ZZ Top” live on the Main Stage.
“Scarecrow Lane” is set for October, and “Halloween Madness” downtown trunk or treat is Saturday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at participating businesses and on Broad Street.
The annual Albano Gobbler Gallop ushers in the holiday season on Thanksgiving Day, followed by “Merry Marion” Downtown Open House on Thursday, Dec. 5, with the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., and the Marion Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. along Main Street.
Additionally, the first Saturday night of each month, the Town of Marion sponsors “Song of the Mountains” live TV taping at the Lincoln Theatre. The Marion Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. till noon through the season and offers special holiday markets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The historic Lincoln Theatre offers a full schedule of programming, from live music to classic movies. The Henderson School provides a free jam session every Monday night for bluegrass and old time pickers, and other local venue, including nearby Hungry Mother State Park, offer live music and entertainment as well.
For more information on events and activities in Marion, visit marionva.org or follow us on Facebook. (Note: all events are subject to change. Please visit our website for the most up to date information).
Marion’s events are sponsored by The Town of Marion, Marion Downtown, and Beach Waves Radio. Additional support is provided by WCYB. WJHL, The Smyth County News & Messenger, SWVA Sun and WMEV.
